Basketball hall of famer Dwyane Wade has shared that he had to have almost half of a kidney removed after a tumor was discovered.
He made the announcement during his “The Why with Dwyane Wade” podcast.
Wade said the surgery to remove 40% of his right kidney was performed 13 months ago, People magazine reported.
He called the diagnosis “shocking” and said that it came after he had delayed going to a doctor for a physical for several years. CBS News reported that he had stopped getting regular physicals after retiring from the NBA.
Wade said that he was finally inspired to see a doctor after his father’s diagnosis of prostate cancer, saying that he had been experiencing stomach issues, cramps and slow urination.
A full body scan found a cyst or tumor on his kidney and the doctor said he had to have surgery.
After getting several second opinions, the operation was performed on Dec. 18, 2023. That’s when doctors determined the tumor was cancerous.
Wade said he learned a lot about himself during the health challenge.
“As a man, you never want your family to see you weak,” he said, according to People. “Don’t want to be perceived weak, don’t want to be seen in your weakest moments but I had to.”
Wade, who is married to actress Gabrielle Union and is father to five children and legal guardian to his nephew, said his family gave him strength.
“What I saw in the midst of me going through my illness, I saw my family that may not always talk, may not always agree. I saw everybody show up for me and be there for me and in that process, in my weakness I found strength in my family,” he said.
Wade retired after 16 years in the NBA, leaving the game after the 2018-19 season, ESPN reported. He has three championships and was the Finals MVP in 2006.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, according to NBA.com.
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